2018 Ford Mustang GT to Make 455 Horsepower?

Reading tea leaves is fun. When an important car is set to launch, auto writers like to comb through all of the materials to see if it gives us any clue into the future of the vehicle. Automakers also like putting in tips in their press material. Does the 2018 Mustang‘s press material hint to the horsepower ratings of the new Mustang GT?

Ford spokesman Mike Levine told followers on Twitter that there are Easter Eggs in the digital instrument cluster of the new Mustang.

The odometer, for example, is a 1964.5. That’s the model year the original Mustang went on sale. The 289 miles left in the tank is a throwback to the first Mustang’s 289 cu-in V8. So could the Mustang being in gear 4 at 55 miles-per-hour mean that the new V8 Mustang makes 455 horsepower?

Possibly. If everything in the image is a clue, then it’d make sense that the clue was for that.

If you remember, when Dodge announced the Hellcat Challenger, the press photos of the infotainment system were set to SiriusXM station “70s on 7.” No other press photos from FCA have ever featured that station, and that was the clue to the car’s 707 horsepower.

It’s as good of guess as any. Remember, the V8 in the new Mustang will make more power thanks to port and direct fuel injection. A small power bump would not only be desired, but expected with the new car. Plus, it’ll bring it into horsepower parity with the Chevrolet Camaro.

We’ll know more as we get closer to launch, of course, but in the meantime we like the idea of the new Mustang making 455 horsepower. Combine that with MagneRide magnetorheological ride control dampers and you should have the makings for a pretty serious performance muscle coupe.

What do you think?

What's your reaction?

Chad Kirchner is the Editor-in-Chief of Future Motoring, along with the main host and producer of the Future Motoring podcast. In addition to his work here, he's a freelance automotive journalist for outlets around the world.